Austin Theft and Fraud Defense Lawyer

If you are facing criminal charges, you know how important it is to immediately mount a strong defense to protect your freedom and your livelihood. With the assistance of a qualified attorney, you can feel confident in your defense against the charges you face. At Ian Inglis Attorney at Law, we are dedicated to helping those who have been accused of crimes like theft and fraud in Austin and the surrounding areas. We make it our mission to provide people charged with crimes the experienced and dedicated legal representation they deserve.

Since 1981, Ian Inglis Attorney at Law has worked tirelessly on behalf of his clients and he obtained a Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Criminal Law in 1987. For more than three decades, Mr. Inglis has handled countless criminal cases, and he has an impressive track record of success with theft and fraud charges specifically. With over 35 years of experience, Ian Inglis is extremely qualified to handle your defense. He knows the Central Texas court system well and understands how to put your best defense forward. To get the absolute best outcome, you need an Austin theft and fraud defense attorney who is capable and will put their experience to work for you.

Under Texas law, theft (Texas Penal Code – Section 31.03) and fraud (Texas Penal Code – Chapter 7, Section 32) are treated seriously as criminal matters. Though the penalties for theft and fraud can vary considerably based on the circumstances under which the crime occurred, the challenges that any conviction for theft and fraud can impose on a person’s life can be considerable.

For this reason, Ian Inglis Attorney at Law believes it is essential for people in Austin who have been arrested or charged with theft or fraud in any form retain the services of a qualified legal professional. With such guidance and support, it is often much easier to defend yourself against the accusations that you are facing, not to mention it is often more likely to receive a reduced sentence or have the charges dropped altogether. At Ian Inglis Attorney at Law, our team is focused solely on fighting the charges brought against you. You may complete an online form or call our Austin office at (512) 472-1950 today so that we can discuss your case and start mounting an aggressive defense on your behalf.

Do I Need a Theft and Fraud Attorney?

When you are facing serious criminal charges, how do you know what the next step will be? Do you need a theft and fraud attorney? The legal process, especially in potential criminal convictions, can be rather overwhelming and intimidating. You may not know the best direction to go to prevent criminal charges. In these types of cases, it is of particular importance to seek legal counsel so that he or she can gather the necessary information about your case, speak to witnesses, examine the offense reports and speak with the prosecutor on your behalf. A trained attorney will advise you about your case, including potential defensive strategies and any plea bargain offered by the prosecutor. An attorney can represent you in court and can see the case all the way through until disposition. If you don’t have an attorney, it is best to obtain one soon.

Why Choose Ian Inglis?

If you need a theft and fraud attorney in Austin, you certainly have numerous firms to choose from. How do you know who you can trust to fight for your rights in a criminal defense case? Choosing the right lawyer may be the difference between a positive outcome for your case and a negative one. Ian Inglis Attorney at Law has the solid experience and track record of success you need to assist you with your defense. With over 35 years as an attorney, Mr. Inglis has the experience with handling complex criminal defense cases. Once retained, he will work with you and fight for your rights until a satisfactory resolution is achieved. It may be possible to reduce or altogether eliminate the criminal charges you are facing.

Theft and Fraud Criminal Charges

Theft and fraud charges can take a wide range of different forms. However, some of the most common that people find themselves facing include:

Employee Theft – An employer may accuse you of theft if they suspect that you stole money or misused company assets without permission. Because of the wide-ranging allegations that employees may face and the frequency of confusion regarding employee theft charges, it is important to contact an attorney immediately if your employer informs you that you are under investigation for theft.

Credit Card Fraud – Credit card fraud charges often revolve around the use of a payment card to obtain goods or withdraw money. Credit card fraud charges can range from minor to very serious, so make sure not to take these charges lightly and contact a lawyer with experience handling fraud accusations today.

ID Theft – Identity theft, or the intentional use of someone’s personal information for financial gain or other benefits, is an increasingly common charge in today’s internet-driven society. If you are facing charges of identity theft, you should turn to an attorney who understands the specifics of these charges and has experience defending those who have been charged with ID theft.

Bank Fraud – An individual may be charged with bank fraud if authorities believe that they posed as a financial institution to fraudulently obtain money, property, or other assets. Bank fraud charges are often taken very seriously, so it is wise to hire an attorney as soon as you are accused of a crime like bank fraud.

Shoplifting Defense – If you are facing shoplifting charges, an experienced attorney like Ian Inglis can help you mount a strong defense on your behalf. You do not have to suffer the consequences or have a crime like this on your permanent record without putting up a fight. Contact us today to discuss your defense.

Whether you are facing any of these or other related theft and fraud charges, it is critical to enlist the support of a skilled defense attorney to protect your rights and freedoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are arrested or charged with a crime, you likely have questions about your legal rights and what you can do to defend yourself. Getting the answers that you need can be challenging. For Austin residents to have the information that they need, Ian Inglis Attorney at Law and his legal team has compiled the following list of answers to frequently asked questions. If your question is not here, or if you would prefer to discuss your case in person with a member of our team, don’t hesitate to call our offices at (512) 472-1950 today.

How long will a trial take?

Without knowing the details of your case, it is exceedingly difficult to determine exactly how long a trial might take should you choose to pursue one. It is highly advisable that you seek legal advice from an experienced attorney before you decide on how to approach your defense against the allegations brought against you. One of our criminal defense lawyers can advise you on what to expect from a trial in your particular case and may be able to give you an estimated trial length.

Can I be convicted if I was never read my rights?

Intended to inform a criminal suspect of his or her rights throughout the criminal process, Miranda rights are an important aspect of the criminal justice system. Though most suspects may be read their Miranda rights while they are being taken into custody by law enforcement, it is only legally required that they do so before the suspect is interrogated by police officers. Therefore, if law enforcement doesn’t intend to and never interrogates a suspect, it is not legally required that law enforcement read a suspect their Miranda rights. On the other hand, if you were not read your rights and were interrogated by police officers, you need to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

What is the difference between first, second, and third-degree crimes?

First and second-degree crimes carry the most severe consequences. These crimes can be punished the most severely under Texas law, possibly including up to 99 years in prison. Third-degree crimes may not be punished by incarceration time of more than 10 years. All felonies are punishable with a $10,000 fine. If you have been convicted of a first or second-degree crime, it is critical that you seek legal guidance from an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

Can I switch to a private criminal defense attorney?

Yes! You may switch to a private attorney after choosing a public defender, or even switch to a different private attorney. It is best to do this as soon as possible to allow your attorney plenty of time to prepare for the trial. To get the absolute best outcome, you need an experienced lawyer who can focus on your case and direct his or her attention to your defense.

Fraud Statistics in Texas

In the latest Consumer Sentinel Network (CSN) report, dated March 21, 2016, and issued by the Federal Trade Commission, Texas ranks eighth in the nation for the most reported cases of identity theft per 100,000 residents. There were 39,630 reported cases of identity theft in Texas in 2015. Government documents/benefits fraud was most common at 48%, followed by credit card fraud at 14%, phone/utilities fraud at 8%, loan fraud at 6%, bank fraud at 6%, and employment-related fraud at 5%. Those aged 50-59 were the most heavily targeted group, making up 20% of the total number of victims reporting their age in CSN.

Speak with a Theft and Fraud Attorney in Austin

When you are facing any theft or fraud charges, you need a qualified legal representative that you can trust on your side. Ian Inglis Attorney at Law knows what it takes to defend clients against such charges successfully and can work with you to build a strong defense. Find out more about what our legal team can do for you by calling our offices at (512) 472-1950.